How to Multiply Decimals in Step by Step

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Sanjeev Kumar 2024-04-16T01:40:39+00:00 1 Answer 12 views
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  1. Pawan Kumar
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    2024-04-16T01:43:34+00:00
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    Multiplying decimals might seem tricky at first, but with a little practice, it becomes as easy as multiplying whole numbers. The key is understanding the place value of decimals.

    What are Decimals?

    Decimals provide a method for representing numbers that are not whole. They use a decimal point to separate the whole part of the number from the fractional part. The digits to the right of the decimal point represent tenths, hundredths, thousandths, and so on.

    Steps for Multiplying Decimals

    1. Ignore the Decimals (Temporarily): Start by pretending the decimals aren’t there and treat the numbers as whole numbers.

    2. Multiply: Perform the multiplication as you normally would with whole numbers.

    3. Count the Decimal Places: Count the total number of digits to the right of the decimal points in both of the numbers you multiplied.

    4. Place the Decimal: Put the decimal point in your answer so that there are the same number of digits to the right of the decimal as you counted in step 3.

    Examples

    Example 1: Multiplying a decimal by a whole number

    Problem: 2.5 x 4

    • Step 1: Ignore the decimal (25 x 4)
    • Step 2: 25 x 4 = 100
    • Step 3: Count decimal places (one decimal place in 2.5)
    • Step 4: Place the decimal one position from the right in the answer. Solution: 2.5 x 4 = 10.0

    Example 2: Multiplying two decimals

    Problem: 1.25 x 0.4

    • Step 1: Ignore the decimals (125 x 4)
    • Step 2: 125 x 4 = 500
    • Step 3: Count decimal places (three total: two in 1.25 and one in 0.4)
    • Step 4: Place the decimal three positions from the right in the answer. Solution: 1.25 x 0.4 = 0.500 (you can drop trailing zeros after the decimal)

    Additional Tips

    • Estimation: Before you start multiplying, estimate the answer by rounding the decimals to the nearest whole number. This will help you check if your final answer is reasonable.
    • Zeroes: If needed, you can add zeros to the right of the decimal point in your product to ensure you have enough places to correctly position the decimal.

    Practice Makes Perfect

    The best way to get comfortable with multiplying decimals is to practice. Try solving different problems, moving from simpler examples to more complex ones.

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